Translation guide
The Japanese honorific さん (san) is a polite, all-purpose title attached to names, roughly equivalent to Mr./Ms./Mrs. in English, but used far more broadly and neutrally.
Mr./Ms. Tanaka
Excuse me, shop assistant!
To politely address or refer to someone, similar to Mr./Ms./Mrs., but without specifying gender or marital status.
Attach さん to a person's family name or given name. It is the default polite suffix and can be used in most situations, from acquaintances to colleagues. Unlike English titles, it does not indicate marital status or gender.
Is Mr./Ms. Tanaka here?
I met Mr./Ms. Yamada.
While さん is polite, attaching it to a given name (e.g., 太郎さん) shows a friendly yet respectful tone, common among colleagues or acquaintances. It is less formal than using the family name but still polite.
Taro, how are you? (polite)
Among close friends, family, or in casual settings, さん is often dropped. Using a name without any honorific can sound intimate or rough, so it should be avoided in polite contexts.
Dropping さん with someone you are not close to can be rude. When in doubt, use さん.
Taro, let's play!
To politely address someone by their role or profession, such as a shopkeeper, doctor, or teacher.
Add さん after a job title or role to address that person politely. Common examples include 店員さん (shop assistant), 運転手さん (driver), お医者さん (doctor).
To add a friendly or personifying tone when referring to animals, mascots, or even inanimate objects in casual or childlike speech.
Adding さん to an animal's name makes it sound cute or respectful, often used by children or when speaking affectionately. E.g., ゾウさん (Mr. Elephant), ウサギさん (Ms. Rabbit).
To refer to a company or shop in a polite or familiar way, often used by customers.
Customers or business partners may attach さん to a company name to show respect or familiarity, e.g., トヨタさん (Toyota). This is common in B2B contexts or when referring to a shop you frequent.
Do not attach さん to your own name when introducing yourself. It is considered arrogant or childish. Say just your name, or use と申します (very formal).
I'm Tanaka.
さん is the default polite suffix. 様 (さま) is more formal and respectful, used for customers or in letters. 君 (くん) is often used for boys or junior colleagues. ちゃん is affectionate, for children or close friends. Use さん when unsure.
Excuse me, shop assistant.
I was examined by the doctor.
Look, there's an elephant! (affectionate)
Occasionally, さん is attached to inanimate objects in a playful or personifying way, like お月さん (the moon) or お日さん (the sun), though this is dialectal or poetic.
The sun is shining. (personified, dialectal)
I received a quote from Toyota.